Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is highly regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. By capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows, hair offers an extended timeline of substance exposure. When gathered from the root, it can present a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's width), equates to 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG additions and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair refers exclusively to the scalp area, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This includes confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screening needs affirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with presumed positive results in the Screening stage necessitate further verification.
In instances where the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug analysis is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening involves methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation by ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The assay, often called "hair follicle exams", actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle residing beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing in Newville, AL, hair tests are superior in detection duration and reliability. They provide extensive drug history over several months, helping employers with zero-tolerance policies make informed decisions. Traditional urine tests lack this capability, diminishing their effectiveness in long-term detection.
Additionally, hair follicle testing offers better detection accuracy than urine testing, decreasing the chances of sample adulteration.
Hair follicle testing in Newville, AL, illustrates its advantage through an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This duration far surpasses other test types, offering a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance usage history. Employers benefit from this enhanced visibility during hiring or monitoring.
Such a long detection period aids in thoroughly assessing an employee or candidate’s past substance interactions, granting a reliable overview.
One of the major benefits of hair follicle testing in Newville, AL, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, it is extremely difficult to adulterate a hair sample, ensuring the integrity of the results received.
This reliable testing method minimizes potential cheating and provides dependable findings, enhancing trust in the outcomes for both companies and individuals.
Our testing facilities, including those in Newville, AL, offer convenient nationwide access. With testing centers across the country, scheduling and attending appointments becomes streamlined for clients.
Whether you need a local or nationwide facility, our network ensures easy and swift access with little hassle, facilitating seamless testing experiences for all.
The process for hair follicle testing in Newville, AL, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, we prioritize ease and privacy, ensuring clients' concerns about discretion are thoroughly addressed.
Our streamlined testing procedures guarantee a user-friendly experience, allowing clients to engage with services confidently and securely.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Newville, AL. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value for investment.
Paired with quick delivery of results, this affordability enhances peace of mind, making professional substance testing accessible for everyone.
In Newville, AL, hair follicle testing provides fast and accurate results. The testing method is acclaimed for its precision and can swiftly detect substance use. Its quick turnaround combined with high accuracy renders it a preferred choice for many.
The reliability of hair follicle testing in measuring substance use ensures that the results received are dependable. This testing method stands out due to its efficient processing speed.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Newville, AL, helps employers in keeping with compliance and workplace safety standards. By upholding drug-free policies, employers not only ensure a secure environment but also shield themselves from potential legal issues.
This testing approach fosters peace of mind among employers as they remain compliant with regulations, improving overall organizational health and security.